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UK 2026 Your 18-Year Health Challenge

UK 2026 Your 18-Year Health Challenge 2026

UK 2026 Your 18-Year Health Challenge: New Data Reveals The Average Briton Faces Nearly Two Decades Of Ill Health Before Death, Fueling A Staggering £6.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden Of Lost Earnings, Skyrocketing Care Costs, Unfunded Treatments & Eroding Family Futures – Is Your Life, Critical Illness & Income Protection Shield Your Indispensable Safeguard Against This Prolonged Financial & Health Challenge

The promise of a longer life is one of the great triumphs of modern Britain. But a shadow has fallen over this achievement. New analysis of national health data reveals a stark and unsettling reality: while our lifespans are increasing, our healthspans are not.

The average person in the UK can now expect to spend nearly two decades of their life in a state of ill health.

This isn't just a health crisis; it's a looming financial catastrophe for millions of families. This 18-year period of poor health is creating a potential lifetime financial burden that can exceed a staggering £6.5 million for a professional household. This figure encompasses a devastating combination of lost income, crippling private care costs, expenses for treatments not covered by the NHS, and the systematic erosion of a family's financial future.

For too long, we have planned for our death, but not for a long period of debilitating illness. The question is no longer just "what happens if I die?" but "what happens if I live, but cannot work or care for myself for 10, 15, or even 20 years?"

This guide confronts this new reality head-on. We will dissect the data, break down the astronomical costs, and reveal why the traditional safety nets of the state and savings are no longer sufficient. Most importantly, we will show you how a robust, three-layered shield of Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection is no longer a luxury, but an indispensable safeguard for your financial survival and your family's future.

The Widening Gap: Understanding the UK's 18-Year Health Challenge

For generations, the primary measure of a nation's health has been life expectancy. But this single metric hides a crucial distinction: the difference between lifespan and healthspan.

  • Lifespan: The total number of years you are expected to live.
  • Healthspan: The number of years you are expected to live in good health, free from disabling illness.

The gap between these two figures represents the time we spend managing chronic conditions, battling illness, and living with a reduced quality of life. And in the UK, this gap is becoming a chasm.

According to the latest 2026 projections based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, the picture is deeply concerning.

MetricMaleFemaleThe Health Gap
Life Expectancy at Birth (Lifespan)81.4 years84.6 yearsThe total years lived
Healthy Life Expectancy (Healthspan)62.9 years63.7 yearsThe years lived in good health
Years in Poor Health18.5 years20.9 years~19.7 years (Average)

Source: WeCovr analysis based on ONS 2026 projections.

This data means a baby boy born today can expect to live over 18 years in a state of less than "good" health. For a baby girl, that period extends to almost 21 years. This isn't a problem for a distant future; it's affecting working-age people right now. A rise in musculoskeletal problems, mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes is forcing people out of the workforce or into reduced roles far earlier than planned.

The problem is not evenly spread. There are significant regional disparities, with those in more deprived areas of the country facing an even larger gap between their lifespan and healthspan, exacerbating social and financial inequality. This extended period of ill health is the primary driver of the unprecedented financial risk facing British families.

Deconstructing the £6.5 Million+ Financial Burden: A Lifetime of Costs

The £6.5 million figure may seem shocking, but it becomes terrifyingly plausible when you deconstruct the multifaceted financial impact of long-term ill health on a typical professional family. This is not a single cost, but a cascade of financial blows that unfold over decades.

Let's break down the four key components of this burden:

1. The Catastrophic Loss of Earnings

This is the single biggest financial threat. For most families, their ability to earn an income is their most valuable asset. Long-term illness obliterates it.

Consider a 40-year-old manager earning an average professional salary of £60,000. Being unable to work for 15 years due to a stroke or severe arthritis doesn't just mean losing their salary. It means:

  • Direct Salary Loss: £60,000 x 15 years = £900,000
  • Lost Pension Contributions: Employer and personal contributions cease. A typical 10% total contribution (£6,000/year) over 15 years, with modest investment growth, could result in a lost pension pot of over £150,000.
  • Lost Promotions & Pay Rises: The career ladder vanishes. Potential future earnings growth is wiped out, a loss that could easily run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
  • Loss of a Partner's Income: Often, a spouse or partner must reduce their working hours or quit their job entirely to become a full-time carer. If that partner earned £40,000, the household income loss skyrockets.

A household with two professional earners, both impacted directly or indirectly by long-term illness over two decades, could easily see a lifetime loss of earning potential exceeding £2-3 million.

Years Unable to WorkLost Gross Salary (at £60k/year)Potential Lost Pension Value
1 Year£60,000~£6,500
5 Years£300,000~£35,000
10 Years£600,000~£80,000
18 Years£1,080,000~£175,000

Note: Table illustrates a single earner. The total family impact is often far greater.

2. The Skyrocketing Cost of Care

As health declines, the need for care increases. The belief that the state will step in is a dangerous misconception. Social care in the UK is means-tested, and the threshold is brutally low. In England, if you have assets over £23,250 (including the value of your home in many cases), you are deemed a 'self-funder'.

The costs are eye-watering and are projected to rise:

  • Home Care (Domiciliary Care): Average costs are around £25-£35 per hour. Just two hours of care a day can amount to over £18,000 per year.
  • Residential Care Home: The average cost is approximately £800 per week, or £41,600 per year.
  • Nursing Home (with medical care): This can easily exceed £1,200 per week, or £62,400 per year.

Over an 18-year period, even modest care needs could accumulate to over £300,000. For those needing full-time nursing care for a decade or more, the bill can surpass £750,000, forcing the sale of the family home and decimating any planned inheritance.

3. The Hidden Costs: Unfunded Treatments & Expenses

The NHS is a national treasure, but it is a system under immense pressure. It cannot, and does not, provide everything. Families facing serious illness are increasingly confronted with a range of out-of-pocket expenses:

  • Private Consultations & Scans: Faced with record NHS waiting lists (currently over 7.6 million procedures), many pay for private MRI scans (£500+), specialist consultations (£250+), or even surgery (£5,000 - £20,000+) to get faster diagnosis and treatment.
  • 'Top-Up' Drugs: Some of the most advanced cancer or autoimmune drugs are not approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for NHS use due to cost. Accessing them privately can cost tens of thousands of pounds per year.
  • Therapies and Rehabilitation: While the NHS provides some physiotherapy or counselling, it's often limited. Extended private physio, occupational therapy, or specialist mental health support can cost £50-£100 per session, quickly adding up.
  • Home & Vehicle Adaptations: Widening doors for a wheelchair, installing a stairlift (£2,000-£5,000), or creating a downstairs wet room (£5,000-£10,000) are rarely state-funded.

These 'hidden' costs can easily amount to £50,000 - £100,000 over the course of a long-term illness.

4. The Erosion of Your Family's Future

This is the final, devastating blow. To meet the costs above, families are forced to make impossible choices:

  • Depleting Savings: ISAs and cash savings are the first to go.
  • Raiding Pensions: Money painstakingly saved for retirement is withdrawn early (often with tax penalties) to pay for today's care needs.
  • Selling the Family Home: The ultimate asset is sold to fund long-term care, destroying intergenerational wealth.
  • Abandoning Dreams: University funds for children, planned retirements, and future financial security are all sacrificed.

When you combine these four factors—lost earnings, care costs, unfunded treatments, and the destruction of assets—for a high-earning professional couple over a two-decade period of ill health, the £6.5 million lifetime burden becomes a very real and terrifying possibility.

The State Safety Net: A Realistic Look at What the Government Provides

Many people believe that, should the worst happen, the welfare state will provide a robust safety net. It is crucial to understand the reality of what is actually available, which is far less than most assume.

The state system is designed to prevent destitution, not to maintain your family's lifestyle.

State SupportWhat It IsThe Reality for a Typical Family
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)Paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks if you're too ill to work.The 2026 rate is just £120.40 per week. This is a fraction of the average UK wage and is unlikely to cover even a mortgage payment, let alone bills.
Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) / Universal CreditA benefit you can apply for after SSP ends if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.This is heavily means-tested. If you have a working partner or modest savings, you may receive very little or nothing. The maximum standard allowance is a few hundred pounds a month—not enough to run a family home.
The NHSFree healthcare at the point of use.An incredible service for acute medical treatment. However, it does not cover your lost income, social care (like help with washing or dressing), most long-term therapies, or alternative treatments. Waiting lists can also delay your recovery.
Disability Benefits (e.g., PIP)Personal Independence Payment helps with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition.Not means-tested but awarded based on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. The process can be long and challenging, and the maximum weekly amount (around £190 in 2026) is intended to help with disability-related costs, not replace a salary.

The verdict is unequivocal: While state support provides a crucial foundation, it is in no way sufficient to protect your home, your lifestyle, or your family's financial ambitions from the impact of long-term illness. Relying on it alone is a high-stakes gamble you cannot afford to take.

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Your Three-Layered Shield: How Protection Insurance Bridges the Gap

If the state and your savings cannot shield you, what can? The answer lies in a coordinated, personal insurance strategy. Think of it as a three-layered shield, with each layer designed to defend against a specific financial threat.

Layer 1: Income Protection – The Foundation of Your Defence

This is arguably the most important and yet least-owned form of protection. It directly tackles the single biggest risk: the loss of your monthly salary.

  • What it is: Income Protection (IP) pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury that your doctor signs you off for.
  • How it works: You choose a percentage of your salary to cover (typically 50-70%). You also choose a 'deferral period' – the time between when you stop working and when the payments start (e.g., 3, 6, or 12 months, designed to align with your employer's sick pay). The policy will then pay out every month until you can return to work, you retire, or the policy term ends, whichever comes first.
  • Why it's the foundation: It provides the day-to-day cash flow needed to pay the mortgage, cover bills, and put food on the table. It stops you from having to dip into savings or go into debt for everyday living, allowing you to focus purely on your recovery.

Example: David, a 42-year-old IT consultant earning £70,000, develops a serious back condition and can't work for 3 years. His employer pays him for 6 months. After that, his Income Protection policy kicks in, paying him £3,500 tax-free every month. This lifeline keeps his family financially stable during his long rehabilitation.

Layer 2: Critical Illness Cover – The Shock Absorber

While Income Protection handles the monthly bills, Critical Illness Cover (CIC) provides a powerful financial resource to handle the immediate, large-scale costs of a serious diagnosis.

  • What it is: A policy that pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of predefined serious conditions.
  • How it works: Insurers specify the conditions covered, but they almost always include the 'big three': cancer, heart attack, and stroke, alongside dozens of others like multiple sclerosis, major organ transplant, and paralysis.
  • Why it's a shock absorber: The lump sum is yours to use as you see fit. It provides a huge degree of flexibility and control at a time of crisis. Common uses include:
    • Clearing or reducing your mortgage.
    • Paying for private medical treatment or specialist drugs.
    • Making essential home adaptations.
    • Replacing a partner's income so they can take time off to care for you.
    • Simply creating a financial buffer to reduce stress.
Common Conditions Covered by CIC
Cancer (of specified severity)
Heart Attack
Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
Kidney Failure
Major Organ Transplant
Motor Neurone Disease
Parkinson's Disease

Layer 3: Life Insurance – The Ultimate Family Safeguard

This is the most well-known form of protection, providing the final layer of security for your loved ones in the event of your death.

  • What it is: A policy that pays out a tax-free lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term.
  • How it works: You decide on the amount of cover and the length of the term (e.g., enough to clear the mortgage over its 25-year term). It is remarkably affordable, especially when you are young and healthy.
  • Why it's the ultimate safeguard: It ensures that, no matter what, your family will not be forced from their home or face financial hardship. It provides the funds to pay off the mortgage, cover funeral costs, and leave a legacy for your children's future education and well-being.
  • Crucial Tip: It is vital to have your life insurance policy written 'in trust'. This simple legal step ensures the payout goes directly to your chosen beneficiaries, bypassing your estate. This means it is not subject to Inheritance Tax and avoids the lengthy and stressful probate process, getting the money to your family when they need it most.

A Combined Strategy: Weaving Your Personalised Safety Net

These three policies are not mutually exclusive; they are designed to work in concert, creating a comprehensive and resilient financial plan.

Insurance TypePurposePayout TypeWhen it Pays Out
Income ProtectionReplaces lost monthly incomeRegular Monthly PaymentIf you can't work due to any illness/injury (after deferral period)
Critical Illness CoverCovers major one-off costs & reduces debtOne-off Lump SumUpon diagnosis of a specific serious illness
Life InsuranceProtects your family's future after deathOne-off Lump SumUpon your death

Navigating these options and determining the right levels of cover can seem complex. This is where an expert, independent broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We don't just sell policies; we provide expert advice. We take the time to understand your personal and financial situation, analyse your specific risks, and then search the entire UK market—from Aviva to Zurich and everyone in between—to find the combination of policies that offers the most robust protection for your budget.

Beyond the Payout: The Hidden Value of Modern Protection Policies

A common misconception is that insurance policies only provide value when you claim. In 2026, this couldn't be further from the truth. The UK's leading insurers now pack their policies with an incredible array of 'added-value' benefits, available to you and your family from the day your policy starts, at no extra cost.

These services are designed to help you stay healthy and get support faster, potentially preventing a serious health issue from developing in the first place.

Common benefits include:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Get a video consultation with a UK-based GP at any time of day or night, often with a prescription sent directly to your local pharmacy. This helps you bypass long waits for a GP appointment.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to a set number of confidential counselling or therapy sessions per year for you and often your immediate family.
  • Second Medical Opinion: If you receive a serious diagnosis, you can have your case reviewed by a world-leading expert to confirm the diagnosis and explore all treatment options.
  • Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Services: Get access to early intervention for musculoskeletal issues, helping you recover from injury faster and stay in work.
  • Health and Wellness Support: Many insurers now offer apps and services that provide nutrition advice, fitness programmes, and health tracking to proactively support your wellbeing.

At WeCovr, we believe so strongly in this proactive approach that we go one step further. Alongside finding you the best insurance policy, we provide all our customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It’s our way of showing we care about your long-term health, not just your financial protection.

Case Study: The Smith Family vs. The 18-Year Challenge

To see the profound difference a protection strategy makes, let's consider two identical scenarios.

The Family: Mark (45, a graphic designer earning £60k), his wife Sarah (43, a part-time teaching assistant), and their two children. They have a £250,000 mortgage.

The Event: Mark suffers a serious stroke, leaving him unable to work for the foreseeable future and with significant mobility issues.


Scenario 1: The Unprotected Smiths

  1. First 6 Months: Mark receives full pay from his employer. The family copes.
  2. Months 7-9: Mark is moved to Statutory Sick Pay (£120.40/week). The financial pressure is immediate and immense. They start using their £15,000 in savings to cover the mortgage and bills.
  3. From Month 10: The SSP stops. Sarah increases her hours, but the family income is still less than half what it was. Their savings are gone. They start missing credit card payments.
  4. The Aftermath: The NHS waiting list for specialist physiotherapy is 9 months. They can't afford private treatment. Mark's recovery is slow and frustrating. The financial stress puts a huge strain on their marriage and family life. Within two years, they are forced to sell their family home to downsize and release equity to live on. Their children's university fund is abandoned.

The result is a financial and emotional catastrophe.


Scenario 2: The Protected Smiths

Mark had a protection portfolio arranged through an expert broker: Life Insurance, £100,000 of Critical Illness Cover, and an Income Protection policy.

  1. The Diagnosis: Upon diagnosis of a stroke, the Critical Illness policy pays out a £100,000 tax-free lump sum. The Smiths use £50,000 to pay down their mortgage, drastically reducing their monthly payments. They use £10,000 for immediate private physiotherapy and home adaptations, and keep the remaining £40,000 as an emergency fund.
  2. The Income: After his 6-month work sick pay period ends, Mark's Income Protection policy starts paying him £3,000 a month, tax-free.
  3. The Aftermath: The family's financial situation is stable. They can meet all their bills without stress. Sarah doesn't have to work extra hours and can support Mark's recovery. Mark can focus entirely on getting better, knowing his family is secure. Their home is safe, and their children's futures are intact.

The result is recovery, stability, and peace of mind.

Taking Action: How to Build Your Financial Shield in 2026

The data on the 18-year health challenge is a call to action. Procrastination is the enemy of protection. Here are five clear steps to build your family's shield.

  1. Conduct a Brutally Honest Financial Review: Sit down and map out your finances. What is your total monthly household income? What are your essential outgoings (mortgage, food, utilities, debt)? What is the shortfall? How long would your savings last?
  2. Audit Your Existing Cover: Check your employment contract. What is your company's full sick pay policy (how long does it last)? Do you have 'Death in Service' benefits (typically 3-4x your salary)? Do you have any group income protection? Remember, these benefits are valuable but cease the moment you leave your job.
  3. Calculate Your 'Protection Gap': The gap is the difference between the money your family would need and the money they would have from sick pay, state benefits, and any existing cover. This figure is what your personal insurance needs to fill.
  4. Seek Expert, Independent Advice: Do not try to do this alone. Buying protection insurance isn't like buying car insurance. The policy definitions for critical illnesses or the definition of 'incapacity' on an income protection policy vary hugely between providers. Cheaper is rarely better. Using an independent broker like WeCovr costs you nothing, but our expertise is priceless. We will find you the right policy with the right definitions from a reputable insurer, ensuring it will actually pay out when you need it most.
  5. Act Now. Don't Delay: Every year you wait, premiums get higher. More importantly, you risk developing a health condition that could make cover more expensive, subject to exclusions, or even impossible to obtain. The best time to get protected is today, while you are as young and healthy as you'll ever be.

Your Health is Your Wealth – Protect Both

We are living longer than ever before, but the uncomfortable truth is that many of these extra years will be spent managing ill health. The 18-year health challenge is reshaping the risks we face, transforming a potential health crisis into an almost certain financial one for the unprepared.

The state cannot save you. Your savings are unlikely to be enough. The only viable solution is to build your own personal shield.

Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection are the pillars of modern financial planning. They are the tools that allow you to take control, neutralise the financial devastation of long-term illness, and guarantee your family's security.

The data is clear. The challenge is real. The solution is within your reach. Take the first step today to build your indispensable shield and secure your family's future, no matter what health challenges lie ahead.


Related guides

Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance is an insurance policy that can provide financial support for your loved ones when you or your joint policy holder passes away. It can help clear any outstanding debts, such as a mortgage, and cover your family's living and other expenses such costs of education, so your family can continue to pay bills and living expenses. In addition to life insurance, insurance providers offer related products such as income protection and critical illness, which we will touch upon below.

How does it work?

Life insurance pays out if you die. The payout can be in the form of a lump sum payment or can be paid as a replacement for a regular income. It's your decision how much cover you'd like to take based on your financial resources and how much you'd like to leave to your family to help them deal with any outstanding debts and living expenses. Your premium depends on a number of factors, including your occupation, health and other criteria.

The payout amount can change over time or can be fixed. A level term or whole of life policy offers a fixed payout. A decreasing term policy offers a payout that decreases over the term of the cover.

With critical illness policies, a payout is made if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness with a remaining life expectancy of less than 12 months. While income protection policies ensure you can continue to meet your financial commitments if you are forced to take an extended break from work. If you can’t work because you’ve had an accident, fallen sick, or lost your job through no fault of your own, income protection insurance pays you an agreed portion of your salary each month.

Income protection is particularly helpful for people in dangerous occupations who want to be sure their mortgage will always be covered. Income protection only covers events beyond your control: you’re much less likely to be covered if you’re fired from your job or if you injure yourself deliberately.

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Who would pay your mortgage or rent if you were to pass away or fall seriously ill?
👉 Who would pay for your family’s food, clothing, study fees or lifestyle?
👉 Who would provide for the costs of your funeral or clear your debts?
👉 Who would pay for your costs if you're unable to work due to serious illness or disability?

Many families don’t realise that life, income protection and critical illness insurance is one of the most effective ways to protect their finances. A great insurance policy can cover costs, protect a family from inheriting debts and even pay off a mortgage.

Many would think that the costs for all the benefits provided by life insurance, income protection insurance or critical illness insurance are too high, but the great news is in the current market policies are actually very inexpensive.

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

Life insurance, income protection and critical illness insurance are indispensable for every family because a child loses a parent every 22 minutes in the UK, while every single day tragically 60 people suffer major injuries on the UK roads. Some people become unable to work because of sickness or disability.

Life insurance cover pays out a lump sum to your family, loved ones or whomever you choose to get the money. This can be used to secure the financial future of your loved ones meaning they would not have to struggle financially in the event of your death.

If it's a critical illness cover, the payout happens sooner - upon diagnosis of a serious illness, disability or medical condition, easing the financial hardship such an event inevitably brings.

Income protection insurance can be very important for anyone who relies on a pay check to cover their living costs, but it's especially important if you’re self-employed or own a small business, where your employment and income is a bit less stable. It pays a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire.

In a world where 1 in 4 of us would struggle financially after just four weeks without work, the stark reality hits hard – a mere 7% of UK adults possess the vital shield of income protection. The urgency of safeguarding our financial well-being has never been more palpable.

Let's face it – relying on savings isn't a solution for everyone. Almost 25% of people have no savings at all, and a whopping 50% have £1,000 or less tucked away. Even more concerning, 51% of Brits – that's a huge 27 million people – wouldn't last more than one month living off their savings. That's a 10% increase from 2022.

And don't even think about state benefits being a safety net. The maximum you can expect from statutory sick pay is a mere £109.40 per week for up to 28 weeks. Not exactly a financial lifeline, right?

Now, let's tackle a common objection: "But I have critical illness insurance. I don't need income protection too." Here's the deal – the two policies apply to very different situations. In a nutshell:

  • Critical illness insurance pays a single lump sum if you're diagnosed with or undergo surgery for a specified potentially life-threatening illness. It's great for handling big one-off expenses or debts.
  • Income protection, on the other hand, pays a percentage of your salary as a regular payment if you can't work due to illness or injury. It's the superhero that tackles those relentless monthly bills.

Types of life insurance policies

Common reasons for getting a life insurance policy are to:
✅ Leave behind an amount of money to keep your family comfortable
✅ Protect the family home and pay off the mortgage in full or in part
✅ Pay for funeral costs

Starting from as little as a couple of pounds per week, you can do all that with a Life Policy.

Level Term Life Insurance
One of the simplest forms of life insurance, level term life insurance works by selecting a length of time for which you would want to be covered and then deciding how much you would like your loved ones to receive should the worst happen. Should your life insurance policy pay out to your family, it would be in a lump sum amount that can be used in whatever way the beneficiary may wish.

Decreasing Term Life Insurance
Decreasing term life insurance works in the same way as level term, except the lump sum payment amount upon death decreases with time. The common use for decreasing term life cover is to protect against mortgage repayment as the lump sum decreases along with the principal of the mortgage itself.

Increasing Term Life Insurance
Increasing term life insurance aims to pay out a cash sum growing each year if the worst happens while covered by the policy. With increasing term life cover amount insured increases annually by a fixed amount for the length of the policy. This can protect your policy's value against inflation, which could be advantageous if you’re looking to maintain your loved ones’ living standards, continue paying off your mortgage in line with its repayment schedule and cover your children’s education fees.

Whole of Life Insurance
Whereas term life insurance policies only pay out if you pass away during their term, whole of life insurance pays out to your beneficiaries whenever this should happen. The most common uses for whole life insurance are to cover the costs of a funeral or as a vehicle for your family's inheritance tax planning.

Family Income Benefit
Family income benefit is a somewhat lesser-known product in the family of life insurance products. Paying out a set amount every month of year to your beneficiaries, it is the most cost-effective way of maintaining your family's living standards to an age where you'd expect them to be able to support themselves financially. The most common use would be for a family with children who are not working yet so are unable to take care of themselves financially.

Relevant Life Insurance
Relevant Life Insurance is a tax-efficient policy for a director or single employee. A simple level term life insurance product, it is placed in a specific trust to ensure its tax efficiency. The premiums are tax deductible and any benefit payable should a claim arise is also paid out tax free, which makes it an attractive product for entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their life, income protection, and critical illness insurance cover in place before running into some serious issues. Critical illness and income protection insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, bicycles and even bags! Yet our life and health are the most precious things we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy life, income protection, critical illness and private medical health insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of life insurance policies available in the market, including income protection, critical illness and other types of policies most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced FCA-authorised insurance partner experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to life insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable life, income protection, critical illness or private medical health insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Any questions?

Life, income protection, and/or critical illness insurance are safety nets, very important at a difficult time. If anything happened to you before your cover ends, your life or critical illness insurance would pay a lump sum to your family and/or you (if you took a critical illness or income protection cover) to help cover the losses. Being diagnosed with a critical illness can be devastating, and it won't help matters to be also worrying about how you would cope financially. With a life, income protection, or critical illness policy, you can choose how much cover you need, how you want the policy to pay out, and whether you want cover for both you and your partner. Income protection insurance pays you a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire. Also known as permanent health insurance, it is quite important for anyone who relies on a paycheck to cover their living costs, but it's particularly important if you're self-employed or own a small business, where your income might be a bit less stable.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance pay out millions to families every day. Your expert will explain to you that you need to be honest and open when applying for your insurance.

If you're single with no dependants then it may be that you don't need life assurance. However, if you were to become seriously ill and unable to work, you may benefit from a critical illness or income protection policy. They can help you keep up to date with your rent, bills, food, and other expenses.

It's free to use WeCovr to find life, income protection, and critical illness insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Critical illness, income protection, and life insurance is an investment that pays many times over for you and/or your loved ones.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance are important financial products that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence, so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

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The cost of life insurance depends on several factors, including your age, occupation, health status, and the level of coverage you choose. Your life insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the sum assured, policy term, and other factors.

Some life insurance policies offer an option to add critical illness cover as a rider or as a separate policy. This provides a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with a critical illness covered by your policy, offering financial support during a difficult time.

Yes, life insurance is available to self-employed individuals to provide financial protection for their loved ones in the event of their death. It ensures that your family can maintain their standard of living and cover expenses such as mortgage payments, bills, and education costs.

If you outlive your life insurance policy and it expires without a claim, you will not receive any payout. Term life insurance policies are designed to provide coverage for a specific period, and once that period ends, the policy terminates without any residual value. However, you can typically renew or purchase a new policy if you still need coverage.

Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy, offering financial support during a difficult time. It can help cover medical expenses, mortgage payments, and other financial obligations while you focus on recovery.

Critical illness insurance covers a range of serious illnesses and medical conditions specified in your policy, such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, and organ failure. The lump sum payment can be used to cover medical treatment, ongoing care, and living expenses during your recovery.

The cost of critical illness insurance varies depending on factors such as your age, health status, lifestyle, and the level of coverage you choose. Our experts can provide personalised quotes to help you find affordable coverage.

Yes, you can have critical illness insurance alongside your health insurance coverage. Critical illness insurance provides additional financial protection specifically for serious illnesses, complementing your health insurance benefits.

Critical illness insurance policies typically have exclusions for pre-existing conditions and certain medical conditions not covered by the policy. It's essential to review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand what is and isn't covered.

Some critical illness insurance policies may provide coverage for recurring illnesses, while others may not. It's crucial to review the policy terms and understand the specific conditions under which you can make additional claims for recurring illnesses. Your insurer can provide more details on their coverage for recurring critical illnesses.

Yes, you can customise your life insurance policy to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Options may include choosing the sum assured, policy term, premium payment frequency, and additional riders for enhanced coverage.

If you miss a premium payment for your life insurance policy, your coverage may lapse, and your policy could be terminated. However, many insurers offer a grace period during which you can make the payment to keep your policy active. It's essential to contact your insurer to discuss your options if you're unable to make a payment.

Yes, you can typically change the beneficiary of your life insurance policy at any time by completing a beneficiary change form provided by your insurer. It's essential to keep your beneficiary designation up to date to ensure that the proceeds are distributed according to your wishes.

Term life insurance provides cover for a fixed period, such as 10, 20 or 30 years, and pays out a lump sum if you die during that time. It’s often chosen to protect a mortgage or to provide financial support while dependants still rely on your income. Whole-of-life insurance is designed to last for the rest of your life and guarantees a payout whenever you die, as long as premiums are maintained. It’s usually more expensive than term insurance and is sometimes used to help with inheritance tax planning or to leave a guaranteed legacy.

Some term life insurance policies offer the option to convert to a whole life insurance policy without the need for a medical exam or new underwriting. This conversion feature allows you to maintain coverage beyond the term of your policy and provides lifelong protection.

Some life insurance policies offer accelerated death benefits or living benefits that allow you to access a portion of the death benefit if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. This feature provides financial assistance to help cover medical expenses and other costs during your final months.

While having savings can provide a financial cushion during tough times, income protection insurance offers additional security by replacing a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or disability. It ensures that you can maintain your standard of living and cover essential expenses even if your savings are depleted.

Yes, self-employed individuals can claim income protection insurance if they're unable to work due to illness or disability. Income protection provides a regular income stream to replace lost earnings, helping self-employed individuals cover their living expenses and business costs during periods of incapacity.

The waiting period, also known as the elimination period, is the length of time you must wait after becoming unable to work due to illness or disability before you can start receiving benefits from your income protection insurance policy. Waiting periods typically range from 30 to 90 days, but longer waiting periods may result in lower premiums.

Income protection insurance is designed to provide financial support if you're unable to work due to illness or disability, not for redundancy. However, some policies may offer optional redundancy cover or unemployment cover as an additional benefit, providing a lump sum or monthly payments if you're made redundant.

The tax treatment of income protection insurance benefits depends on whether the premiums were paid with pre-tax or after-tax dollars. Benefits from policies funded with after-tax dollars are typically tax-free, while benefits from policies funded with pre-tax dollars may be subject to income tax. It's essential to consult with a tax advisor to understand the tax implications of your income protection insurance benefits.

Income protection insurance provides a regular income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or disability, while critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Critical illness insurance offers financial support to cover medical expenses, living costs, or other obligations during your recovery.

Income protection insurance policies typically have a waiting period (also known as an elimination period) during which you do not receive benefits. If you become unable to work before this waiting period ends, you will not receive any income protection benefits until the waiting period has elapsed. It's important to have sufficient savings or other financial resources to cover your expenses during this initial period.

Many income protection insurance policies allow you to increase your coverage amount if your income rises, without the need for additional underwriting or medical examinations. This feature, sometimes called a 'guaranteed insurability option,' ensures that your coverage keeps pace with your increasing income and financial obligations.

The maximum age to purchase critical illness insurance varies depending on the insurer and the specific policy. While some insurers may offer critical illness insurance up to age 70 or beyond, others may have lower age limits. It's essential to check with insurers to determine their age eligibility criteria for purchasing critical illness insurance.

Whether you can get critical illness insurance if you have pre-existing conditions depends on the insurer's underwriting guidelines and the specific medical conditions. Some insurers may offer coverage with exclusions for pre-existing conditions, while others may decline coverage altogether. It's essential to disclose any pre-existing conditions when applying for critical illness insurance and discuss your options with insurers.

While health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, critical illness insurance offers financial protection for broader expenses associated with a serious illness, such as lost income, household bills, and lifestyle changes. Critical illness insurance complements health insurance by providing additional financial support during a challenging time, ensuring that you can focus on recovery without worrying about financial burdens.

If you don't make a claim on your critical illness insurance during the policy term, you won't receive a benefit payout. However, having critical illness insurance provides peace of mind knowing that you're financially protected if you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness during the policy term. It's a form of financial preparation for unexpected events and offers valuable protection for you and your family.

If you outlive your critical illness insurance policy and don't make a claim for a covered critical illness during the policy term, the coverage will expire, and you won't receive a benefit payout. Critical illness insurance provides financial protection for a specific period, typically until a specified age or policy term, and offers peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for the unexpected.

Yes, many insurers offer optional riders or add-ons that you can add to your critical illness insurance policy for enhanced coverage. Common riders may include waiver of premium, which waives future premium payments if you become disabled, or return of premium, which refunds a portion of your premiums if you don't make a claim during the policy term. It's essential to review available riders with insurers to customise your coverage to meet your specific needs.

To make a claim on your critical illness insurance policy, you'll need to notify your insurer of your diagnosis and submit a claim form along with any required medical documentation, such as medical reports, test results, and physician statements. Once your claim is reviewed and approved by the insurer, you'll receive the lump sum benefit payment, which you can use to cover medical expenses, living costs, or other financial needs during your recovery.

As we age, the likelihood of encountering health complications increases for us all. In the event that you develop a severe medical condition, critical illness protection can assist with the expenses of crucial bills – enabling you to concentrate on recuperation or adjusting to your new health circumstance.

The typical expense of a Critical Illness protection policy will fluctuate based on aspects such as your age and medical background. As per our investigation, you can secure a policy starting from as low as £8 (for a non-smoking 21-year-old individual).

The most prevalent critical illnesses in the UK are cancer, cardiac arrest, and cerebrovascular accident (stroke).

Cancer is one of the primary causes for critical illness insurance claims in the UK. Cancer constitutes over 80% of critical illness cover claims for females and about 45% of critical illness claims for males.



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